The tragedy occurred on Tuesday in the stage between Riyadh and Harad. Loprais’ truck ran into an Italian spectator after going over a dune. The victim, evacuated by helicopter, died on the way to the hospital.
“I have bad news. In the bivouac I was told that this happened at the end of the 9th stage. We were already in bed, but the Dakar stewards showed me a video of the accident, in which we hit a man who was photographing “Ladies” (a nickname for a Czech truck) under a dune. He was injured and had a heart attack while being transported to the hospital,” Loprais said.
“Human life was lost due to my actions because I was driving. But I have to say I didn’t know that. None of the crew knew. We have onboard and exterior cameras to prove it. However, that won’t change the fact that human life has gone extinct. I don’t know her name because the investigation is ongoing. She was 69 years old. I’m really sorry. This incident will be in front of my eyes for the rest of my life” added the pilot.
Loprais, after nine stages, was leader in the truck standings at the Dakar. On the day of the tragedy, the Czech turned 43 years old.
